With scale, speed, and policy certainty aligning, Gujarat is fast positioning itself as a global industrial hub; but what should one know before entering the state’s evolving industrial landscape?
The state of Gujarat covers merely 6% of India’s territory and approximately 5% of its population, yet our economic contribution tells a very different tale. Its contribution is approximately 8.6% of India’s total gross domestic product (GDP). Thestate has been growing at an average of nearly 12% over the past seven years.
Gujarat is also the recipient of nearly 17% of India’s total foreign direct investment, and, in terms of exports, over 30% of India’s exports come from our state. Such figures are not coincidental. They are a result of decades of planning and implementation.
Infrastructure and connections that facilitate growth
Gujarat has the longest coastline in the country, measuring close to 1600 kilometres, and is home to 48 seaports. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor cuts through Gujarat by nearly 40%, providing an unparalleled logistics advantage. It has 19 ports and several airports, of which three are international.
There is good road and highway connectivity throughout the state, with approximately 239 Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) industrial estates. The development of industrial infrastructure has been a long-term effort, and today, one of our flagship projects is Semicon City at Dholera. It is the first platinum-rated green field Indian city. India also has the first International Financial Services Centre, GIFT City, in Gandhinagar.
Another parameter that Gujarat has consistently ranked highest in is ease of doing business. We, as a state, are highly prepared in export logistics and preparedness, backed by peaceful industrial relations and good governance.
An effective manufacturing and talent ecosystem
Manufacturing-wise, Gujarat has developed strong manufacturing capacities in chemicals, petrochemicals, dairy, pharmaceuticals, cement, textiles, engineering, gems and jewellery, and ceramics. We have identified several industry-specific clusters, including solar, machine tools, engineering ceramics, diamond processing, petroleum and chemicals, biotechnology, and textiles. This cluster-based strategy has helped industries scale more quickly and efficiently.
There is no worry about talent availability. Areas such as Kutch, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar are industrial and university clusters. Over 50,000 trained engineering and technology graduates come out of Gujarat every year. There are also 11 national-level institutes and more than 100 engineering colleges, many of which are ranked among the top.
The government is busy with skilling, modernising the curriculum, training trainers, and upskilling technicians and operators. Almost three-quarters of the industrial labour force requirement comprises technicians and operators, and we are well equipped to meet that need.
Dholera, Sanand, and a progressive policy framework
Dholera is the future of industrial development in Gujarat. The Ahmedabad Dholera Expressway is nearly finished, and the travel time has been reduced to less than an hour. Rail connectivity between Bhimnath and Dholera is under development, and the international airport at Dholera will commence cargo operations soon. There is already reliable power, water supply via the Narmada, piped gas, renewable energy, water recycling, a common effluent treatment plant (CETP), and a sewage treatment plant (STP).
An equivalent attention has been given to social infrastructure. The township has been planned, with hotels, housing, schools, hospitals, food courts, and fire stations developed to accommodate large-scale industrial development. It is becoming a chip packaging cluster, with companies such as Micron, Kaynes, and CG already established, and has been promoted to an A-class municipality rather than a C-class one.
Policy-wise, Gujarat has a clear single-window system called the GCM for land allotment and incentives. It was the first state to introduce semiconductor, then electronics, and now space tech policies. These structures indicate a highly progressive and responsive government that responds quickly to industry demands.
We have a team available throughout the day to interact, clarify, and assist anyone who wants to join the growing ecosystem in Gujarat.
The article is based on the inaugural address of EFY Expo Gujarat 2025, featuring the opening speech by Ms Neha Kumari, IAS, Mission Director, Gujarat State Electronic Mission. It has been transcribed and curated by Vidushi Saxena, Journalist at EFY.
